BA (Hons) Fine Art

BA (Hons) Fine Art The Course
This course is not about just sculpture or painting - it concerns all ways of creating work, reflecting movements in fine art practice in the real world. You will have the opportunity to combine disciplines and may decide to fuse video, film, painting, installation, object or audience. Equally, there are artists who decide to focus on one particular practice during their studies, such as painting, and want to celebrate it, reinvent it and put some enchantment back into it. We do not see fine art as 'elitist', we see it as a way of thinking about and understanding the world, as well as producing art.

We are proud of the unusual ways that our students invent and make art. The work comes about because of the synergy between enthusiastic, passionate and practising tutors and the students themselves who come here wanting to leave as qualified and active fine artists. To this end we aim to produce confident and informed graduates with excellent communication skills, an open and enquiring approach to their creativity, independence of thought and their own unique identity.

What We Look For
Enthusiasm and commitment to fine art are essential. You should possess an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art, inspired by visits to exhibitions and galleries.We look for portfolios of work that have interesting ideas that push and explore. Additionally we feel that the energy and character of students is important, so we are interested in the way you talk about your work, how you want to develop your pieces and the enthusiasm and understanding you have of your subject. A-level candidates are often recommended to possess a Diploma in Foundation Studies in addition to their A-level grades. This is because this course requires a degree of skill, technical knowledge and conceptual understanding that cannot always be demonstrated through A-level study.

Interviews and Portfolios
We look for originality and a unique voice or vision. Your portfolio of work should showcase interesting ideas that push the boundaries and explore concepts, ideas, media and materials. A variety of work, finished and in progress, personal and as part of course work, is appreciated. The way you discuss and present your portfolio tells us much about your initiative and understanding. Additionally we expect potential students to have a developed and knowledgeable appreciation of the Fine Arts.

Course Structure
The course is divided into three sections - 'Construction' in Year 1, 'Deconstruction' in Year 2 and 'Reconstruction' in Year 3. Theory and practice are a part of every unit that you will undertake and although there are assessments and tutorials, our main emphasis is on group criticism, involving members of staff and students.

You will obtain and develop skills in Year 1 as you evolve your individual ideas. In Year 2, you will be encouraged to question your work, coming to understand it better through an appreciation of its context. This is a period of 'deconstruction' during which you will receive input into the theoretical threads pertinent to your work.We run a series of twelve elective seminar programs in Year 2 alone. These range from 'Video and Installation' to 'Feminism and the Body', 'Semiotics' to 'Aesthetics' and 'Painting in the Twentieth Century'. As well as providing context they will help you to develop your interests. In Year 3, students 'reconstruct' themselves, emerging as artists. You will spend time exhibiting your work and ideas - meeting and thinking more about audiences. These exhibitions are for both internal and external audiences. Individual students are also expected to organise private views and critiques.

Resources
The course has three large studios, one of which is devoted to Year 1 students. The other two studios are shared between students in Years 2 and 3. Students who tend to paint or generally create larger objects are based together in one studio, whilst those who work more with technology and computers are based in the other. There are also two bookable 'white cube' spaces for exhibition or performance and you will also have access to a wide range of Institute resources.

Our wide-ranging team of staff includes tutors whose artistic practice is in making objects, painting, photography or video installation. There are two technical tutors; one who specialises in making and casting as well as sewing, and the other in painting, printing, IT and video editing. All staff members are practising professionally, which is essential to students' experience.We also invite regular visiting lecturers to talk to our students in the main lecture theatre.

Developing your Skills
You may exhibit in London in addition to your final show here at the Institute and we aim to ensure that students fully understand exhibition space and how much it contributes to the impact and the meaning of their work. This interface with an audience is an invaluable learning experience and a reality check for students. There is an integral trip in each of the elective seminars and visits to London are run once a term. On top of this, students will arrange their own excursions.

Future Careers and Graduate Success
During the course and after graduation students exhibit nationally and internationally, creating opportunities for themselves and others to follow. Many of our graduates apply to study at MA level. We have a high percentage now entering postgraduate study - something we are very proud of, as it confirms that our students' ideas and work have great depth and they possess an inquisitiveness that drives them to more profound explorations.We also have groups of graduates who use each other's skills to set up together as a studio - something we believe says a lot about the course and its philosophy.

Part-time Applications and Fees
Part-time applications to this course should be made directly to the Institute, not via UCAS. An application form can be downloaded here or obtained from the Courses Office
Fees for this course are currently £300 per annum.
You may be eligible for a grant from your LEA, dependent on income. Contact the Courses Office for further information.

COURSE DETAILS
Mode of Study: Full-time/Part-time
Course Duration: 3 years/5 years